Soy Lecithin for High Cholesterol & Triglyceride Levels

Lecithin supplements are sometimes used to promote healthy blood cholesterol levels and improve the regulation and metabolism of fats in the body. Nutrients found in this natural substance may help to reduce high LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL levels.

The body needs cholesterol to support brain function, hormone synthesis and more. But if “bad” cholesterol becomes damaged and oxidized in the blood, it can adhere to the walls of blood vessels and cause blockages.

Controlling cholesterol is a therapeutic target for reducing risk factors for heart disease and more. Research suggests that consuming lecithin may block some of the absorption of cholesterol from the gut. This supplement may also work by emulsifying fats and promoting the excretion of cholesterol.

Lecithin (phosphatidylcholine), is any of a group of phosphoglycerides, or phospholipids, contributing to cell metabolism and maintaining healthy cell structure.

Composed of fatty acids, choline, phosphoric acid and glycerol esters, lecithin is commonly consumed daily by most people in amounts ranging from three to six grams. Lecithin-containing foods in the diet include soy, meats and eggs. Grains, fruits and vegetables contain minimal to no lecithin.

Commercial lecithin is primarily derived from soybean oil and widely utilized as an emulsifier and wetting agent. Among the many products using lecithin to facilitate their packaging and stability include baking goods, cosmetics, plastics and animal feeds. [1]

Medically, the most interesting aspect of lecithin’s effect on the human body is its ability to convert to acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter supporting the proper transmission of nerve impulses throughout the central nervous system.

In addition, since lecithin has been proven to convert into acetylcholine in the body, researchers hypothesize that it could be used to improve impaired cognitive functioning, especially in people suffering age-related dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. [2]

Lecithin also seems to play a role in preventing accumulation of fat in the liver, which may help delay or prevent the onset of hepatic disorders. This may also play a role in its purported cholesterol-lowering effects.

Lecithin Effects on Cholesterol

According to Dr. David Williams, lecithin helps to make cholesterol more soluble in the blood, so that it can be transported through the body more readily.

Dr. David Williams explains, “Research has found that cholesterol becomes soluble in the bloodstream only when enough lecithin is present. Once it’s soluble, it can be sent to the liver for excretion.”

A study investigating soy lecithin effects on hypercholesterolemia suggests that this supplement may have benefits. Since diets rich in lecithin seem to stimulate secretion of fatty acids in people suffering high cholesterol, supplementing a diet with lecithin could significantly reduce concentrations of LDL and total cholesterol.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol has been implicated as a risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and hypertension, in contrast to “good” cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

This study concludes by claiming that, “daily administration of a lecithin capsule could help treat hypercholesterolemia by reducing intestinal absorption of LDL or increasing bile acid secretion containing phospholipids and HDL”. [3]

Further research with hypercholesterolemic hamsters found that soy lecithin “is effective in reducing triglyceride concentrations and plasma cholesterol levels”.

Triglycerides are stored in fat cells until hormones release them for energy as needed. Eating more fats and carbohydrates than is burned by the body may result in a diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia. [4]

Lecithin and Fat Loss

It is sometimes assumed that lecithin’s ability to emulsify lipids stored in fat cells means that it directly enters adipose tissue to initiate the breakdown of fat. However, lecithin does not enter adipose tissue and fat cells.

Instead, it facilitates the breakdown of both blood and dietary fats by dissolving fats into subdivided molecules. This may help support a weight loss program when fatty acids molecules, instead of regular fats, provide the body with more easily accessed energy in the form of fatty acids.

Instead of allowing fats to accumulate in adipose tissue, the body readily takes advantage of utilizing these “free range” fatty acids, thereby expediting weight loss when used in conjunction with a weight loss program. [10]

However, there is insufficient evidence to rate lecithin as a weight loss supplement. More research is needed to understand the effects and potential results. This supplement may support a healthy diet, but exercise and nutrition adaptations are required to maintain long-term weight loss.

A review of lecithin’s beneficial effects on neurological disturbances found that human subjects suffering symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, Tourette’s, tardive dyskinesia and Huntington’s disease experienced an amelioration of symptoms in several clinical trials.

However, high doses of lecithin can produce gastrointestinal issues (stomachache, gas, bloating, diarrhea), excessive salivation and perspiration and appetite suppression.

Authors of the review further state that it is “improbable individuals will sustain long-term health problems from taking lecithin”. Alternately, there is some concern that prolonged supplementation with lecithin may disrupt neurotransmitter levels in the brain and induce depression or dopamine supersensitivity. [5]

Lecithin and Breast Cancer

In addition to its effects on cholesterol levels, this supplement has been studied for a number of unrelated conditions.

Lecithin supplementation has been associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. However, authors of this study state that the “small number of premenopausal women in this study may have limited our power to detect a stronger correlation between lecithin and breast cancer”.

Researchers also claim that they believe this is the first study reporting the viability of lecithin supplementation for helping reduce the risk of breast cancer. [6]

The FDA has not approved Lecithin for the prevention or treatment of breast cancer and significantly more research is needed to rate efficacy.

Lecithin Dosage for Cholesterol Management

The general recommended dosage for lecithin supplementation is anywhere between 1 to 35 grams per day. In research trials on the lipid-lowering effects of lecithin supplements, dosages of 1.8 grams per day for six weeks have been used.

Four tablets of a 225mg dried stanol and lecithin complex were administered twice daily at breakfast and dinner. The effects of this treatment were increased when combined with traditional statin drugs. Other studies have used the following dosages:

550mg of lecithin with 625mg of soy stanols taken three times a day

3g of lecithin-solubilized stanols per day for three days

1,000mg of sitostanol administered in lecithin micelles daily

In addition, consumers should be aware that many protein supplements contain lecithin, such as weight gain products, protein powders and protein bars. Lecithin is incorporated in protein-based consumables either to support food processing requirements or as a nutritional source. [9]

First-time users of soy lecithin for cholesterol reduction should consult with their physician to ensure they are receiving optimal benefits of proper dosing.

MECHANISM: Lecithin is a natural source of choline, a precursor to acetylcholine. Acetylcholine transports signals across nerves; this is why Lecithin has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function and memory. Lecithin also makes cholesterol more soluble, leading to lower cholesterol buildup levels.

DOSAGE: 1-35 g per day.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately. Generally very well tolerated; mild gastrointestinal effects including stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea.

INTERACTIONS: Voltaren Gel (topical); no known interactions with herbs or supplements.

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